Eh. I absolutely agree with this analysis for the major subreddits. The ecosystem and quality of content has definitely decreased.

However, I still find plenty of very high quality content in smaller subreddits. I wasn't a Digg user myself, but I suspect the subreddit aspect of reddit is the difference maker: folks seeking HQ content can stick around in the smaller corners while the more popular corners of reddit become mainstream.

And here's an anecdote: over the years, I've noticed more and more of my non-technical friends becoming reddit users. But most of them seem almost oblivious to the fact that there are subreddits outside of the ones you're subscribed to by default.

[EDIT] - spelling, thanks sliverstorm

I completely agree. Reddit, for me, would be useless without niche subreddits. There was a time when you could go to the front page and find links to some really interesting articles or videos, but these days its "guess which celebrity I met and look at the funny pose they made." Thats fine and all but just not for me. However, I can still subscribe to smaller subreddits and have good discussions with people.

I'm finding the same thing with friends as well. The popularity of that site has jumped so much in the last two years or so. I feel like an old man.

completely true. some of the subreddits like /r/askhistorians are very good and the discussions there are awesome.

* seeking

Well-moderated subreddits can often rival HN for more niche topics.

The local subreddits for your city or sports team are great.

Plus openable and closable comment branches. Would love HN to add that...

Digg V4 and the instant and immediately death of Digg is what brought reddit's eternal September. It isn't reminiscent of Digg, it is Digg in every way except layout.

I feel the decrease in quality is because the increase in the number of users. This makes that only the mediocre stuff to get front page.

I prefer HN